Yaroslav the Wise
Yaroslav the Wise

Movie spotlight

Yaroslav the Wise

1982
Movie
156 min
Russian

In the XIth century Kyivan Rus' (Ukraine-Rus') reached its zenith under the reign of Yaroslav. He established enduring ties with many of the ruling European dynasties, strengthened the borders of Rus' and tried to free it from the influence of the Byzantine Empire. Since 988 the church of Rus' had been autonomous, apart from the right of Constantinople to appoint the Metropolitan.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Director: Yuriy IlyenkoGenres: Historical, Drama, War

Plot Summary

The film chronicles the life and reign of Yaroslav the Wise, the Grand Prince of Kyiv, who unified the East Slavic tribes and established a legal code. It depicts his struggles for power, his defense of the Kievan Rus' against external threats, and his efforts to foster culture and religion within his vast domain.

Critical Reception

Yaroslav the Wise is a monumental epic that was highly regarded for its sweeping historical scope and impressive production values within the Soviet film industry. It aimed to present a grand narrative of Ukrainian history, focusing on themes of statehood, faith, and national identity, resonating with audiences for its patriotic undertones.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its epic scale and visual grandeur.

  • Commended for its depiction of historical figures and events.

  • Noted for its strong thematic focus on leadership and national heritage.

Google audience: Audience reception information for this Soviet-era historical epic is not widely available through mainstream platforms like Google Reviews.

Fun Fact

The film was shot on location in Ukraine and features extensive battle sequences and elaborate costumes to recreate the historical setting of medieval Kyiv.

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